Kiroro

Kiroro is well known for being the earliest opening ski resort in Japan!

The ski resort can sometimes open as early as November and the abundance of powder snow has the resort open until May! Kiroro is a medium-size resort spread over 2 mountain peaks. Neighbour to the high profile Hokkaido ski resorts, the modern facilities, lack of crowds and established kid's club is an advantage and you can largely enjoy the serenity without the annoying loudspeaker announcements that Japanese Ski Resorts are famous for and making it perfect for families.

LocationKiroro Resort is located in the Hokkaido Prefecture with 9 ski lifts that offers skiers an impressive 610 meters (2,001 ft) of vertical descent. The nearest station to Kiroro is Otaru.

How to get there

From Chitose Airport:

1.5 hours by bus

Nearest Train Station: Otaru, Sapporo:

2 hours by trains & bus

From Tokyo:

3 hours flight & bus

From Osaka:

4 hours flight & bus

Commonly you’ll need to fly into New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) or arrive on a domestic flight from Tokyo or Osaka. Bus transfers are the most convenient and economical way to get to Kiroro from Sapporo New-Chitose Airport. Alternatively, you can take a 70-min train ride to Otaru followed by a 30-50 min trip by taxi or bus.

Restaurants & NightlifeMost of the Kiroro restaurants are located at Hotel Piano or on the nearby promenade of Kiroro Town. The variety of cuisine available at the Kiroro restaurants are impressive. The nightlife in Kiroro is close to non-existent. You will find bars that are open for a quiet drink, other evening activities will be pachinko (medal coin games), karaoke, game arcades and of course onsens (hot springs). Average costs between ¥900 to ¥ 1600 per meal and from ¥700 per drink.

CultureOnsens are a must when you are in Kiroro where you can relax with the locals and take in the serenity. Day tours to the closest town Otaru and visits to the likes of the Otaru Canal can be an experience and should not be missed either.